Hot or not Archive

Hot or Not – Volume 27

December 19, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

In the last few days, we have sold several engagement rings… that is not unusual during the holidays. The Christmas spirit often inspires couples to take the next step. There are two unique qualities that separate the engagement rings of the 2025 holiday season from the engagement rings of previous years.

First, nearly all of them were made in yellow gold – a trend we haven’t seen since the early 1990’s.
Second, most of them featured a marquise-cut diamond as the center stone.

It’s no secret that jewelry styles come and go; more often that not, those very same styles will come back into fashion in the future. The recent preference of yellow gold over white gold, platinum or silver was not hard to predict. It was time. White metals had reigned supreme for three decades. Yellow gold is classic; it’s timeless. It’s comeback was inevitable. However, I don’t know if anyone could have predicted the wild popularity of the marquise diamond. We’ve watched fancy shapes trend over the last five years… ovals and pears were key players. But make no mistake, 2025 has been the year of the marquise diamond.

Those two things have me looking at these vintage earrings in an entirely new light. Taking the shape of a pyramid or even a Christmas tree, these unique earrings are made from 14-karat yellow gold. Each one showcases three marquise diamonds; set east/west, these diamonds graduate in size from the top to the bottom. Combined, these sparklers have a weight of approximately .60 carat. Bright and clean – these are not typical earring stones. These are engagement quality diamonds with an average color grade of G-H and an average clarity grade of VS. Priced at just $725.00, they’re certainly affordable.

We can’t help but wonder what you think. Should they have stayed in the 1980’s, never to be worn again? Or do they offer a vintage vibe that you simply cannot resist? Are these earrings hot? Or not?

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Hot or Not – Volume 23

July 18, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Once dubbed the “the divorce cut of the 1980’s”, the marquise has redeemed itself and then some. When I started working here in 1995, both yellow gold and marquise diamonds were still popular (our sleepy little town tends to be a bit behind the times). As years passed, yellow faded to white and the marquise took a backseat to the princess cut. Today, thirty years later, that trend has completely flip-flopped. Yellow gold is everywhere and marquise diamond sales are surging; this proves the notion that style and trends are cyclical. What was once old is new again. Some are able to adapt with the times; others dig in their heels, constantly resisting change. All of this has me wondering… is this ring hot? Or not?

A little bit 1980’s and a little bit 2000’s – this is definitely a more unusual combination of color, shape and style. Perhaps I watch a little bit too much HGTV, but this ring reminds me of a dessert imposter (a dessert that looks like a savory food). At a glance, it looks like one thing… but upon closer inspection, it’s something else entirely. At arm’s length, you might think that there’s a sizable marquise cut diamond in the center of the ring. However, up close, it’s actually six round brilliant diamonds set in a navette formation. V-tip prongs (check out a second example of v-tips here) and a white gold outline help to accentuate the “marquise” look as does the diamond halo surrounding it.

Round brilliant diamonds continue in two rows down each shoulder, providing perfect parallel borders for the twenty baguette diamonds set inside. In total, there are one hundred and seven diamonds set into this unique formation. Combined, this ring offers a full carat of scintillating sparkle. And boy do they sparkle – both up close and from a distance. The look is eclectic, with elements of several decades… the marquise shape of the ’80’s, the white gold and diamond halo of the 2000’s; mix in beaded milgrain edges for some 1920’s vintage flair and voila! You get this modern cluster ring. All of that being said, the question remains – is this ring hot? Or not? Priced at just $1300.00, this ring is available on our site. Be sure to keep an eye out for our Instagram story where you can cast your vote for hot or not!

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photos by Dana Jerpe

Hot or Not – Volume 21

February 3, 2025 by Joden Girl

Joden Girl

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

For what seems like an eternity, we have been hoping and encouraging the return of the brooch. There’s even a slogan for the cause – “Bring back the brooch!” Quite honestly, we have converted many more pins and brooches than we have sold over the past few years. But this year, it might finally be happening. Brooches are on every runway… and not just on collars and lapels. They’re pinned to cuffs, waistbands, shoulders, hats, bags and shoes. Brooches are clustered in groups, paired ribbons, chains and bows. From necklines to hemlines… the brooch is definitely back!

I have been head over heels for this darling brooch since the first moment I saw it. Cleverly sculpted from a singular piece of peachy-pink coral, this bamboo stem is bursting with color and personality. Showcasing the carving skills of the maker, this stalk of bamboo is incredibly well made and true to life. I love the leaves bursting from the top.

Giving the piece structure and form is an 18-karat yellow gold frame that is expertly fitted to the back of the brooch. Bearing the marks of fine Italian jewelry, this brooch also boasts a hinged pin with two stems. This is a feature of high-end brooches; it serves to anchor the piece and keep it in place. A pair of gold bands extend from the frame and wrap around the stalk of the coral bamboo, providing the perfect perch for a charming little bird. With an upturned beak and curled tail-feathers, this multi-textured birdie adds a touch of whimsy to the brooch.

Held between two fingers, you can see the physical size of the brooch. Measuring just shy of two inches from top to bottom, it’s ideally sized. Though I am enchanted by this charming fellow, opinions at the store have varied. They range from utter adoration to complete indifference. Moderately priced at $2,100.00 – I can’t wait to hear what you think. Is our little friend a keeper? Or should he fly south for the winter? Is he hot? Or not?

“You can go to a museum and look, or come to us and touch.”

Written by Carrie Martin

Photography by Dana Jerpe

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

Baubles, Bling and Curious Things

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